The influence of level of spinal cord injury on adipose tissue and its relationship to inflammatory adipokines and cardiometabolic profiles

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2018 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2017.1357918 · Published: July 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Cardiovascular Science Endocrinology

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how the level of spinal cord injury (SCI) affects body fat and its connection to inflammation and heart health. The research compares individuals with tetraplegia (TSCI, injury in the neck area) and paraplegia (PSCI, injury in the chest, lower back, or tailbone area). The researchers looked at fat distribution, inflammatory markers, and heart-related risk factors to understand the differences between these groups.

Study Duration

3 Years

Participants

47 individuals with chronic motor complete SCI (age 43.8±11.5 y, BMI: 27.3±5.3)

Evidence Level

Cross sectional and correlational study

Key Findings

1
The study found that the level of injury did not significantly influence the distribution of adipose tissue.
2
IL-6, an inflammatory marker, was significantly higher in individuals with TSCI compared to PSCI.
3
Systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol were significantly lower in TSCI, while fasting glucose was significantly lower in PSCI.

Research Summary

The study examined the effect of level of spinal cord injury (LOI) on adipose tissue, proinflammatory adipokines, and cardiometabolic profiles in individuals with motor complete SCI. Results indicated similar patterns of adipose tissue distribution between TSCI and PSCI, but differences in proinflammatory adipokines and cardiometabolic profiles existed based on LOI. The study suggests that the level of SCI influences proinflammatory adipokines and cardiometabolic profiles, but not the distribution of adipose tissue.

Practical Implications

Targeted Interventions

The findings suggest the need for tailored interventions based on the level of SCI to manage inflammation and cardiometabolic risks.

Further Research

Future studies should investigate the impact of lean body mass and other factors on these outcomes.

Clinical Practice

Clinicians should consider the level of SCI when assessing and managing cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The cross-sectional design limits the ability to determine long-term implications.
2
The sample size of the TSCI group and female participants was relatively small.
3
Inflammatory and cardiometabolic markers were assessed at a single time point.

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